Quafie/DEFIX/DSS/SPEC instal pics

Here are some pictures from my install this past weekend. I had to do the tranny removal a second time last night because the SPEC TO bearing wouldn't let the clutch fully engage. So I had to put the stock TO bearing back in.

I also put a Walbro 450 in, but no pics of that.

The PP after 20 miles of driving with the SPEC TO bearing.
Stock vs SPEC TO bearings
Putting the pilot bearing shaft in the SPEC FW
Tons of "loc-tite" on the DS made it a PITA to get off
Long ass extension to get the top bolts out of the tranny
Heating the stock FW to facilitate pilot shaft removal
The axles took me a day and a half to remove. Rubber mallet + extension = fail. Metal hammer + extension = fail. Autozone removal tool = damges lug threads. 12 lb sledgehammer + socket + hub nut + 100 swings = success.
Finally able to remove the rear intake tube with the tranny removed (no need with ST)

Custom bolt + nut welded to remove diff drain.
You can see the outline of the socket from smashing the axles out. I was going to sell the old axles... not anymore.
The socket and hub nut (hub nut held the socket in place)

This would've pissed me right off. Did you figure out the issue? Is SPEC addressing it?

Well I was by no means happy. The issue was that the SPEC TO bearing was too thick or tall causing the TO bearing to always be riding the PP fingers and never fully disengaging. Using the stock TO bearing was the fix. SPEC has since released a new TO bearing that is equivalent to stock (I purchased my kit some time again, December is IIRC.)

I have installed 3 spec clutches. None of them were bmws. One in my prior car and the throw out bearing had to be modified because it did not fit. The other in a friends car the splines on the pressure plate were off and the tranny had to come back out because the clutch would not disengage. Third and most recent went well with no problems. I must say all perform great but I don't see how that comes out of them. Good to see others turning wrenches on jack stands

Every single time I hear of a TO bearing problem its spec... I'd call them out on it before purchasing and have them sign an agreement they will pay for my labor if I have to pull that thing back off because of their error.

I've done clutches on my back. My back hates me for it. Probably wont do it again. What are the opportunistic parts you guys are chaging while the tranny is out? Main crank seal? Shifter linkage bushings? Trans seals?

so far the plan was just clutch (spec stage3+) TO and pilot bearing. the car is an 08 with 85kkm. I am hoping that this way i won't run into too many snags. During winter its my only ride so I need it to work. If i see any issues I'll go back in later with more experience.